Section 7: Southern Resistance to Abolition

Was antislavery sentiment completely absent from the South?

No. In the 1820s, antislavery societies existed in the South, and some Southerners initially supported gradual emancipation. However, this support largely disappeared as proslavery attitudes became stronger.

Why did white Southern attitudes toward abolition become more hostile after Nat Turner's rebellion?

The rebellion increased fears of future uprisings, leading white Southerners to associate abolitionist ideas with threats to their safety and social order.

How did the Nullification Crisis of 1832 affect Southern attitudes toward slavery?

The crisis strengthened Southern concerns about federal power and encouraged greater resistance to outside criticism of Southern institutions, including slavery.

How did Southern defenders of slavery change their argument in the 1830s?

Instead of describing slavery as a necessary evil, they increasingly defended it as a "positive good." They argued that slavery benefited enslaved people and was supported by the Bible.

What arguments did proslavery Southerners use to defend slavery?

They claimed slavery was supported by Christianity, that enslavers provided care and protection, and that enslaved people were better off than Northern wage workers. These arguments ignored the violence, coercion, and lack of freedom built into slavery.

What was the Gag Resolution of 1836?

A rule adopted by the House of Representatives that automatically tabled antislavery petitions without discussion or debate, preventing Congress from considering them.

How did John Quincy Adams fight the Gag Resolution?

He repeatedly challenged the rule and fought for the right to present antislavery petitions in Congress. After eight years of effort, the gag rule was repealed in 1844.

How did Southern officials try to stop the spread of abolitionist ideas?

In 1835, the federal government ordered Southern postmasters to destroy abolitionist materials sent through the mail and arrest those who refused to comply. This restricted the circulation of antislavery ideas.

Why did abolitionists criticize the destruction of antislavery mail?

They argued that preventing the distribution of abolitionist materials violated freedom of the press and limited the ability of Americans to express political opinions.